JOHANNESBURG — President Obama will meet privately with members of Nelson Mandela’s family Saturday afternoon, the White House said, offering the first indication of how Mr. Obama is handling the delicate situation of Mr. Mandela’s failing health.
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“The President and First Lady will meet privately with members of the Mandela family to offer their thoughts and prayers at this difficult time,” a White House official said. “Out of deference to Nelson Mandela’s peace and comfort and the family’s wishes, they will not be visiting the hospital.”
Mr. Mandela, the 94-year-old former president, has been ill since being admitted to the hospital three weeks ago for a chronic lung infection. His condition turned critical, according to South African officials, just as Mr. Obama headed toward the African continent for a week-long trip.
The White House had originally hoped to spotlight the two men together, offering a generational tableau of the first black leaders in both countries. Mr. Obama said as he flew to South Africa on Friday that he does not need “a photo-op” while he is in the country.
The American president still plans to salute Mr. Mandela’s life with a visit on Sunday to Robben Island, the prison where the iconic South African leader spent 18 years in a tiny cell. White House officials said Friday night that there was no change in the schedule, though Mr. Obama promised to “gauge the situation” based on Mr. Mandela’s condition and his family’s wishes.
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“The President and First Lady will meet privately with members of the Mandela family to offer their thoughts and prayers at this difficult time,” a White House official said. “Out of deference to Nelson Mandela’s peace and comfort and the family’s wishes, they will not be visiting the hospital.”
Mr. Mandela, the 94-year-old former president, has been ill since being admitted to the hospital three weeks ago for a chronic lung infection. His condition turned critical, according to South African officials, just as Mr. Obama headed toward the African continent for a week-long trip.
The White House had originally hoped to spotlight the two men together, offering a generational tableau of the first black leaders in both countries. Mr. Obama said as he flew to South Africa on Friday that he does not need “a photo-op” while he is in the country.
The American president still plans to salute Mr. Mandela’s life with a visit on Sunday to Robben Island, the prison where the iconic South African leader spent 18 years in a tiny cell. White House officials said Friday night that there was no change in the schedule, though Mr. Obama promised to “gauge the situation” based on Mr. Mandela’s condition and his family’s wishes.